Vます as a Noun

• Reading: ます
• Romaji: masu
• Formation: Verb ます-stem → Noun (e.g., 遊ぶ → 遊び, 帰る → 帰り)

Meaning

The ます-stem of a verb can function as a noun on its own, allowing verbs to be used in noun positions such as subjects, objects, or compounds.

Many Japanese nouns are derived directly from the ます-stem (連用形) of verbs. For example, 話す (to speak) becomes 話 (a story/talk), 休む (to rest) becomes 休み (a break/holiday), and 始める (to begin) becomes 始め (the beginning). This is one of the most productive word-formation processes in Japanese. Not every verb stem works naturally as a standalone noun — some are well-established in the lexicon while others sound forced. The nominalized form often takes on a slightly different or more specific meaning compared to the original verb. This pattern differs from the nominalizer こと or の in that Vます nouns are lexicalized and function as independent words.

Examples

1. 最近、良い読みの本を探している。 Recently, I've been looking for a good read.
2. 帰りに本屋に寄った。 I stopped by the bookshop on my way back.
3. この踊りは地元のお祭りで有名です。 This dance is famous at the local festival.

Usage Guide

Context: spoken, written, everyday

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 休みの日は何をしていますか。
• 行きはバスで、帰りは電車にした。
• お釣りはいりません。

Don't Say

• 泳ぎが好きです。(While grammatical, 泳ぐこと or 水泳 is more natural for expressing a hobby) → 泳ぐことが好きです。
• 走りを毎日している。(走り is not commonly used as a standalone noun for the activity; use ランニング or 走ること) → ランニングを毎日している。

Origin & History

The use of the 連用形 as a noun dates back to classical Japanese, where verb stems naturally functioned in nominal positions. Many modern nouns originated this way.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal